Miller, pondering how Emmerdale viewers will react to the plot, told Inside Soap: "Those who got into the Aaron and Jackson story from the start will still love Jackson. They might not take to Ed at first, but they will.

"Lloyd Everitt, who plays him, is a great actor - he's helping to make it all very believable."

Discussing the story, he continued: "Aaron has a chance to learn from his past mistakes. This is a positive step for him - getting involved with someone new. Jackson is gone and now Hazel's left the village, so this is about Aaron moving on.

"He's attracted by Ed's good looks and laid-back attitude - even if he's trying not to make it too obvious how he feels."

Emmerdale airs Aaron and Ed's first kiss on Monday, March 5 at 7pm on ITV1.